Roping Fiesta Preliminaries

Kirt Keen and his daughter, J’Cee, 2, watch the preliminary rounds of calf roping from horseback at the 1st Community Credit Union Spur Arena in San Angelo. Keen and about 125 fellow ropers from around the country are competing for a chance to participate in the 57th annual Autoplex Roping Fiesta.

Patrick Dove/Standard-Times

Cody Waldrop chases after a calf during the first round of preliminary roping at the 1st Community Credit Union Spur Arena in San Angelo. Those with the fastest times will have a chance to compete in the 57th annual Autoplex Roping Fiesta.

Patrick Dove/Standard-Times

Coleman White runs down his rope as he approaches his calf during the first round of preliminary roping at the 1st Community Credit Union Spur Arena in San Angelo.

Patrick Dove/Standard-Times

Taylor Stout warms up before making his run during the first round of preliminary roping at the 1st Community Credit Union Spur Arena in San Angelo.

Patrick Dove/Standard-Times

Cary Pessell, of Texarkana, signals the end of his run during the first round of preliminary roping at the 1st Community Credit Union Spur Arena in San Angelo. Pessell and about 125 others are vying for a chance to compete in the 57th annual Autoplex Roping Fiesta this weekend.

Patrick Dove/Standard-Times

Fred Hernandez tries to bring down a calf during the first round of preliminary roping at the 1st Community Credit Union Spur Arena in San Angelo. Hernandez finished his run in 15 seconds.

Patrick Dove/Standard-Times

Cody Poe, of West Monroe, La., dismounts from his horse as his rope breaks from around the neck of his calf during the first round of preliminary roping at the 1st Community Credit Union Spur Arena in San Angelo.

Patrick Dove/Standard-Times

Competitors vying for a chance to participate in the 57th annual Autoplex Roping Fiesta look on as fellow competitors make their runs in the preliminary roping rounds at the 1st Community Credit Union Spur Arena in San Angelo.

Patrick Dove/Standard-Times

Roger Nonella, of Klamath Falls, Ore., takes a rest after his first run in the preliminary roping at the 1st Community Credit Union Spur Arena.

Patrick Dove/Standard-Times

Calves are loaded into the chute as competitors prepare themselves for preliminary roping at the 1st Community Credit Union Spur Arena in San Angelo. Ropers from across the country are vying for a spot in the 57th annual Autoplex Roping Fiesta.

Patrick Dove/Standard-Times

Cody Quaney sits atop a fence to get a better view of the action on the floor of the 1st Community Credit Spur Arena during the first round of preliminary roping Thursday morning in San Angelo.

Patrick Dove/Standard-Times

Jake Hamilton warms up his horse before his run in the first round of preliminary roping at the 1st Community Credit Union Spur Arena in San Angelo.

Patrick Dove/Standard-Times

Cody Jordan, of Dublin, dismounts his horse during the first round of preliminary roping at the 1st Community Credit Union Spur Arena in San Angelo. About 125 ropers from around the country were vying for a chance to participate in the 57th annual Autoplex Roping Fiesta.